U.S. patent number 9,679,482 [Application Number 14/396,706] was granted by the patent office on 2017-06-13 for road and path lighting system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH. The grantee listed for this patent is ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH. Invention is credited to Martin Siegel, Walter Werner.
United States Patent |
9,679,482 |
Werner , et al. |
June 13, 2017 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Road and path lighting system
Abstract
A road and path lighting system having a lighting apparatus
including a projection unit for projecting signals onto a
projection area, and a communications module designed to control
the projection unit on the basis of incoming input signals. The
system also includes a lighting apparatus having a light source, a
transmission unit, and a communications module for actuating the
light source on the basis of data which is transmitted by the
transmission unit, and a wireless data communications unit by which
the transmission unit is connected wirelessly to a receiver of the
communications module. The transmission unit preferably has an
independent energy source. The transmission unit can also be
designed as a sensor unit having a sensor, the sensor unit being
provided on the lighting apparatus, in particular on the outside
thereof. Further disclosed is, a method for outputting signals of
the road and path lighting system.
Inventors: |
Werner; Walter (Dornbirn,
AT), Siegel; Martin (Bodolz, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH |
Dornbirn |
N/A |
AT |
|
|
Assignee: |
ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
(Dornbirn, AT)
|
Family
ID: |
48143591 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/396,706 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2013 |
PCT
Filed: |
April 23, 2013 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2013/058364 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 23, 2014 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2013/160284 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
October 31, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150145698 A1 |
May 28, 2015 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
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Apr 24, 2012 [DE] |
|
|
10 2012 206 691 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G
1/0133 (20130101); G08G 1/0112 (20130101); G08G
1/096775 (20130101); H05B 47/19 (20200101); H05B
47/185 (20200101); H05B 47/105 (20200101); G08G
1/0116 (20130101); G08G 1/07 (20130101); H05B
47/11 (20200101); G08G 1/08 (20130101); G08G
1/096716 (20130101); H05B 47/18 (20200101); G08G
1/096791 (20130101); H05B 47/16 (20200101); F21S
8/086 (20130101); G08G 1/0141 (20130101); G08G
1/095 (20130101); F21W 2131/103 (20130101); Y02B
20/42 (20130101); Y02B 20/72 (20130101); F21Y
2115/10 (20160801); Y02B 20/46 (20130101); Y02B
20/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G08G
1/00 (20060101); G08G 1/065 (20060101); H05B
37/02 (20060101); F21S 8/08 (20060101); G08G
1/0967 (20060101); G08G 1/08 (20060101); G08G
1/07 (20060101); G08G 1/01 (20060101); G08G
1/095 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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102371937 |
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Mar 2012 |
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CN |
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19625197 |
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Jan 1998 |
|
DE |
|
202007002125 |
|
Jun 2007 |
|
DE |
|
102005063443 |
|
Jan 2008 |
|
DE |
|
2005096511 |
|
Oct 2005 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report for PCT/EP2013/058364, English
translation attached to original, Both completed by the European
Patent Office on Jul. 23, 2013, All together 5 Pages. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Hunnings; Travis
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Brooks Kushman P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A road and path lighting system having: a lighting apparatus
with a light source, a sensor unit having a sensor, wherein the
sensor unit is provided on the lighting apparatus, a communication
module for actuating the light source on the basis of data captured
by the sensor, and a wireless data communication unit that connects
the sensor unit to a receiver of the communication module only
wirelessly, wherein the sensor unit has an independent power source
and is designed such that the sensor unit transmits signals in the
event of radio connection problems between the communication module
or the wireless data communication unit and the lighting
apparatus.
2. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the sensor comprises light sensors, temperature sensors, motion
sensors or smoke sensors, and wherein the communication module is
configured to actuate the light source on the basis of one or more
light conditions sensed by the light sensor, the temperature sensed
by the temperature sensor, mobile objects situated in a sensing
region of the motion sensor or smoke density sensed by the smoke
sensor.
3. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the sensor or the sensor unit is provided on the outside of the
lighting apparatus, on the outside of a post that has the lighting
apparatus or an upper end of the lighting apparatus has a
projection unit arranged on it.
4. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the wireless connection is provided by a Bluetoothshort-haul
radio.
5. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the power source is a solar module, with one of an energy buffer,
or an internal energy store.
6. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the communication module is designed such that the lighting
apparatus can also be actuated on the basis of data from an
external transmission module, that are transmitted to the
communication unit wirelessly.
7. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 6, wherein
the communication module is designed to execute or not to execute
actuation of the lighting apparatus or parameterization of the
communication module on the basis of an authorization of the
wireless data communication unit that transmits the data.
8. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the lighting apparatus, can be parameterized by data that is
transmitted to the communication module wirelessly or by wire.
9. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the communication module also has a radio transmitter that is
wirelessly connected to other communication modules of other
lighting apparatuses in the system, wherein the communication
module is also designed so as to control the lighting apparatus on
the basis of the data transmitted from the other communication
modules of the other lighting apparatuses.
10. The road and path lighting system as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the communication module has a processing unit in which the
data captured by the sensor are evaluated and converted into
actuation signals, wherein the processing unit is directly
connected either to the sensor unit or to the or to the lighting
apparatus, and wherein a data transmitter of the communication
module, located on one of the sensor unit, provides a wireless
connection between the sensor unit and a receiver of the
communication module.
11. A method for outputting signals by a road and path lighting
system having a lighting apparatus with a light source, a sensor
unit having a sensor or a transmission unit having a transmitter,
wherein the sensor unit or the transmission unit has an independent
power source, a communication module, and a wireless data
communication unit, wherein the method has the following steps:
wireless transmission of data captured by the sensor or of data
transmitted by the transmission unit as input signals to a receiver
of the communication module by the data communication unit,
reception of the wirelessly transmitted input signals in the
communication module, actuation of the light source by the
communication module on the basis of the transmitted data, and
transmission of signals by the sensor unit in the event of radio
connection problems between the communication module or the
wireless data communication unit and the lighting apparatus.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the light source is
a projection unit that projects one or more signals onto one or
more projection areas, wherein the signals form visual signals on
at least one projection area.
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the input signals
are transmitted to the communication module as data signals from
one of a power line communication, a sensor unit of the system, a
surrounding road system, a car-to-car communication network or an
external transmission unit.
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, also having the step of:
parameterization of the lighting apparatus, of the communication
module, using data transmitted to the communication module
wirelessly or by wire, wherein the parameterization of the
communication module is executed or not executed on the basis of an
authorization of a transmitter that transmits the data.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No.
PCT/EP2013/058364 filed on Apr. 23, 2013, which claims priority to
DE Patent Application No. 10 2012 206 691.8 filed on Apr. 24, 2012,
the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by
reference herein.
The present invention relates to an exterior lighting system,
particularly a road or path lighting system with an actuatable
light source, and to a method for outputting signals, for example
visual signals or data signals, by means of the aforementioned
system.
The prior art discloses road or path lighting systems that usually
comprise one or more lighting apparatuses in the form of street
lamps with a post and a light source provided at the upper end
thereof. These known exterior lighting systems are fundamentally
used to illuminate the surroundings (for example a road or a
pedestrian path) in poor weather conditions or at twilight or at
night.
In order to match the lighting to relevant ambient conditions (e.g.
light conditions) or to respond to a nearby object on the basis
thereof, the existent lighting apparatuses can be provided with a
sensor system. Particularly in the case of tall posts or on heavily
segmented terrain, it is disadvantageous for the sensor system to
be provided on or near to the luminaire head. Instead, an
additional box containing the sensor system is mounted on the post
at a predetermined height (usually 3 to 5 m above the ground); that
is to say at approximately mid-height of the post, where the best
information about the surroundings, for example when presence
sensors or the like are used, can be obtained. However, fitting
appropriate sensors to the post has entailed a high level of
complexity to date, since the power supply for the sensor system
has had to be ensured and also measures have had to be provided in
order to ensure that the sensor signals are transmitted to the
luminaire head. By way of example, it has been necessary to drill a
hole in the post in order to provide an electrical connection for
the sensor using the electrical equipment of the luminaire, which
firstly entails a relatively high level of complexity and secondly
can lead to problems for warranty reasons too and also further
legal reasons.
Furthermore, previously known road or path lighting systems are not
provided for the purpose of taking a situation as a basis for
indicating events in the surroundings by specifically actuating a
light source and outputting light or data information or for the
purpose of providing information about said events in another way.
By way of example, hazard situations have been indicated in road
traffic to date merely by means of ordinary road signs or LED
displays (for example traffic management systems) that are designed
specifically for a particular purpose. This requires the use of
specially adjusted electronic and mechanical apparatuses, which
results in an increase in the costs in the traffic system, since a
change in the information to be displayed requires replacement or
at least adjustment of the installation itself. Furthermore,
electronic traffic management systems, in particular, are limited
to a particular set of road signs and the visibility thereof is
also restricted in poor weather conditions (e.g. in fog or
smoke).
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a road or
path lighting system and a method for outputting signals by means
of such a system in a simple and inexpensive manner, which system
or method simultaneously allows flexible situation-dependent light
output and preferably information output or signal output in
general.
This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent
claims. The dependent claims develop the central concept of the
invention in a particularly advantageous manner.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a road and
path lighting system having at least one or else a plurality of
lighting apparatuses, each with at least one projection unit for
projecting signals onto a projection area, and a communication
module that is designed so as to control the projection unit on the
basis of incoming input signals.
The use of a projection unit in a lighting apparatus allows any
individually prescribed information to be output in the form of a
light output depending on the situation on the basis of appropriate
input signals. In addition, the system is not limited to a
prescribed set of information or signals, since the projection unit
can be used to output any conceivable, in particular visual,
information or signals.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a road and
path lighting system having a lighting apparatus with a light
source, a sensor unit having a sensor, wherein the sensor unit is
provided on the lighting apparatus and at an interval from the
light source, a communication module for actuating the light source
on the basis of the data captured by means of the sensor, and a
wireless data communication unit that connects the sensor unit to a
receiver of the communication module only wirelessly, wherein the
sensor unit preferably has an independent power source.
According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a road and
path lighting system having a lighting apparatus with a light
source, a transmission unit having a transmitter, wherein the
transmission unit is at an interval from the light source, a
communication module for actuating the light source on the basis of
data transmitted by means of the transmission unit, and
a wireless data communication unit that connects the transmission
unit to a receiver of the communication module only wirelessly,
wherein the transmission unit preferably has an independent power
source.
The transmission unit may fundamentally also be in the form of a
sensor unit as described previously, which then has the
aforementioned sensor and is preferably provided on (the outside
of) the lighting apparatus.
The sensor unit or transmission unit wirelessly connected to the
communication module can be used to provide a lighting apparatus or
a system that has said lighting apparatus in a simple and
inexpensive manner and without the provision of drill holes or the
separate electrical connection of cables, which system allows
flexible and, in particular, situation-dependent light output and
preferably information output via the light source on the basis of
the respective sensors or transmission unit.
According to the invention, the aforementioned aspects of the
invention may be present individually or in any combination.
Furthermore, the following, preferred features may be provided in
this case:
By way of example, the projection unit may be or have a light
source, provided for lighting, for the lighting apparatus itself or
a further (that is to say additional) light source, such as a laser
unit or an LED luminaire.
The projection area may be any area that is suitable for
projection, that is to say particularly an even and preferably
unicolor area, for example a road or path surface or (building)
wall or an additional projection area, such as a projection panel.
The projection unit is preferably designed such that it can project
a signal or different signals onto one or more projection areas.
The signals that are output by the projection unit are preferably
light signals that form a visual signal on the projection area.
The communication module is preferably designed such that the
incoming input signals can be taken as a basis for generating
output signals and outputting the latter to the surroundings. The
output is preferably effected via power line communication or
short-haul radio or using the system or the communication module as
a relay station. Preferably, the output signals are output to a
traffic management center or a car-to-car communication network or
another communication module of a further lighting apparatus in the
system or to other receivers (for example transmission unit; mobile
telephone of a passer-by, etc.). In this case, the output signals
are preferably data signals that can be converted into visual
and/or audio signals at a receiver, for example in a traffic
management center or a vehicle or on another reception appliance
(for example smartphone).
The input signals are preferably likewise data signals that can be
transmitted to the communication module via power line
communication or from sensors, for example a sensor unit in the
system or a surrounding road system, or from a car-to-car
communication network (for example by means of short-haul radio or
the like) or another, preferably external, transmission unit.
The communication module is preferably designed so as to actuate
the lighting apparatus, preferably the light source of the lighting
apparatus and/or the projection unit, on the basis of the data
captured and transmitted by means of the sensor or the sensors or
transmitted from the transmission unit and/or to output it as
output signals to the surroundings. To this end, a wireless data
communication unit is preferably provided that connects the sensor
unit, having the sensor, or the transmission unit to a receiver of
the communication module only wirelessly. For autarkic operation,
the sensor unit or the transmission unit preferably has an
independent power source. This power source is preferably a solar
module, for example with an energy buffer, or an internal energy
store, such as a storage battery.
The sensors of the sensor unit (or, by way of example, also in a
transmission unit) are preferably chosen from the group of light
sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors or smoke sensors or a
combination thereof. The communication module is then preferably
designed such that it actuates the light source on the basis of the
light conditions sensed by means of the light sensor, on the basis
of the temperature sensed by means of the temperature sensor, on
the basis of, preferably mobile, objects situated in the sensing
region of the motion sensor and/or on the basis of smoke occurrence
or smoke density sensed by means of the smoke sensor. Furthermore,
other data captured by the sensors are also conceivable for
actuation. In addition, other kinds of sensors may also be
alternatively or additionally provided, the captured results from
which can be taken as a basis for actuating the light source via
the communication module. The sensor or the sensor unit is
preferably provided on the outside of the lighting apparatus,
particularly preferably on the outside of a post that has the
lighting apparatus and the upper end of which preferably has the
light source arranged on it.
The wireless connection between the sensor unit or transmission
unit and the receiver of the communication module and also all the
other wireless connections described in this application are
preferably provided by means of short-haul radio, with transmission
by means of the Bluetooth standard, particularly the Bluetooth 4.0
standard, preferably being provided.
The communication module is preferably designed such that the light
source to be actuated can also be actuated on the basis of data
from an external transmission module, such as the aforementioned
transmission unit, that are transmitted to the communication unit
wirelessly. Particularly preferably, the lighting apparatus or the
communication module or the actuation of the light source can be
parameterized by means of data that are transmitted to the
communication module wirelessly or by wire, so as to be
individually adjusted according to requirements. In this case,
actuation of the light source or parameterization of the
communication module can be executed or not executed on the basis
of an authorization of the transmitter that transmits the data,
such as the external transmission module.
In addition, the communication module may have a radio transmitter
that is wirelessly connected (preferably via a short-haul radio) to
other communication modules of other lighting apparatuses in the
system, wherein the communication module is also designed so as to
control or actuate the lighting apparatus on the basis of the data
transmitted from the other communication modules of the other
lighting apparatuses. This allows the provision of automatic and
interactive information output or light output.
Furthermore, the communication module may have a processing unit in
which the input signals, particularly the data captured by the
sensor or transmitted from the transmission unit, are evaluated and
converted into actuation signals or output signals. To this end,
the processing unit may be directly connected either to the sensor
unit or to the transmission unit or to the lighting apparatus. A
data transmitter of the communication module, which data
transmitter is preferably provided in the sensor unit or the
transmission unit, and the receiver of the communication module,
which receiver is preferably provided in the lighting apparatus,
particularly preferably on the light source, together preferably
provide the wireless connection between the sensor unit or the
transmission unit and the receiver of the communication module.
Further advantages of the invention are described by way of example
below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings of
the accompanying figures.
FIG. 1 shows a road or path lighting system according to a first
exemplary embodiment,
FIG. 2 shows a road or path lighting system according to a second
exemplary embodiment,
FIG. 3 shows a road or path lighting system according to a third
exemplary embodiment,
FIG. 4 shows a visual and audio indicator device in a vehicle with
a car-to-car communication system.
FIG. 1 shows a road or path lighting system 1 (subsequently also
referred to as a system) according to the invention. This system
can also be referred to generally as an exterior lighting system.
The system 1 has one or else a plurality of lighting apparatus(es)
2. The lighting apparatus 2 is preferably a lamppost 20
(subsequently also referred to as a post), the upper end of which
has a light source 21 (30) arranged on it for the directional or
nondirectional illumination of the surroundings of the lighting
apparatus 2.
The lighting apparatus 2 has a projection unit 3 that can be used
to project signals 40, 50 onto a projection area 4, 5. The
projection area used is preferably already existent areas, such as
a road or path surface 4 or a (building) wall. Alternatively or in
addition, it is also possible to provide an additional projection
area that comprises a projection panel 5, in particular.
Preferably, the projection areas 4, 5 are even, blank and unicolor
in order to present signals projected thereon in the best possible
way. The projection unit 3 may preferably be designed such that it
can also present a visual signal on uneven or oblique areas, with
the projection unit 3 compensating for the unevenesses or the angle
in relation to the projection area in a manner that is known for
projectors, for example.
The projection unit 3 may have the light source 21, provided for
lighting, of the lighting apparatus 2 or a further light source 30.
In other words, the lighting apparatus 2 either only has the
projection unit 3, which simultaneously serves as the light source
21 thereof, or the projection unit 3 is provided as an additional
light source 30 besides a dedicated light source 21 of the lighting
apparatus 2. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, the projection
unit 3 is provided as an additional element of the road lighting;
alternatively, it can, as already explained previously, use the
light source 21, provided for lighting, of the lighting apparatus 1
itself for this operation. The light source 21, 30 of the
projection unit 3 preferably has a laser unit. If a laser unit (for
example a laser projector) is used as the light source 21, 20, a
significant advantage over conventional projectors is that it is
not necessary to use a focusing optical system, since the laser
beam has an extremely great depth of field on account of the low
divergence. In addition, projection by means of laser has the
advantage, on account of the low divergence and high luminance
thereof, of good perceptibility in comparison with standard light
sources or else LED luminaires; even in poor visibility conditions
as a result of fog or smoke. As an alternative to projection by
means of laser, provision may also be made for the use of
appropriate LED-based units (LED luminaires) or other light
sources. Therefore, the projection of the relevant information or
signals can take place in different ways and is not limited by the
invention, so long as it reliably presents the relevant
information.
The projection unit 3 is preferably mounted on the lighting
apparatus 2 detachably or nondetachably by means of clamps, screws
or the like in a suitable manner. It is also conceivable for the
projection unit 3 to be used as a unit with the light source 21 of
the lighting apparatus 2 or as a replacement for the latter in the
lighting apparatus 2 such that projection in a desired direction is
made possible. FIG. 1 shows a projection unit 3 that is fully
integrated in the lighting apparatus 2 next to a light source 12
thereof by way of example.
Integration of the projection unit 3 into the luminaire or lighting
apparatus 2 or light source 21 is particularly preferred for
reasons of space and in order to reduce or avoid modification
complexity for a previously existing lighting apparatus 2. If the
projection unit 3 is in the form of a laser unit, the laser units
or laser projectors, which are typically of much smaller design (in
comparison with conventional projectors), result in distinctly more
design options than with traditional projectors.
The direction of the projection is preferably of variable design or
adjustable and is, as far as possible, not or only to some extent
prescribed or limited by the direction of installation. When laser
units (laser projectors) are used as the projection unit 3, this
can advantageously be achieved from a technical point of view by
micromirror arrays, for example (as implemented in the case of
"Digital Light Processing", for example). The micromirror arrays
are simultaneously used to produce the image and to determine the
direction of projection. In this case, the current prior art allows
up to 120.degree. projection angles and more. Furthermore, it is
also conceivable that, particularly on account of the small size of
the aforementioned projection units 3, the projector itself can
also be provided in mobile form, or implemented in mobile form,
with little complexity, so that the entire spatial angle can be
covered by combined movement of the micromirror arrays and of the
projector per se.
The projection unit 3 may be designed such that it can project
different signals 40, 50 onto a plurality of projection areas 4, 5,
as shown by way of example in FIG. 1. In summary, the projection
unit 3 can preferably project at least one signal or else a
plurality of signals 40, 50 onto one or more projection areas 4, 5
(in each case together or in distributed form), where the signals
transmitted as light signals are then reproduced as a visual signal
40, 50. In FIG. 1, the projection unit 3 projects two signals 40,
50, for example, one onto a road surface 4 and one onto a separate
projection panel 5. The invention is naturally not limited to this
exemplary embodiment, however.
The visual signals 40, 50 allow information such as warnings,
prohibition signs, mandatory signs or the like to be visually
presented. The projection unit 3 can be used to project such images
onto the road surface 4 or generally onto a terrain or onto
appropriate projection areas 5 in proximity to the lighting
apparatus 2. These projection areas 4, 5 then serve as a kind of
blank sign on which various information is presented as required.
Besides warnings, it is also possible to project all other
conceivable information onto the projection areas 4, 5, such as
road signs, weather information, information pertaining to trade
fairs or other events, advertizing in general, and the like. A
projection unit 3 in such a form can be used by the lighting
apparatus 2 or the system 1 to present (visual) information of any
kind and hence to transmit it to road users.
In order to control the projection unit 3 in accordance with
current circumstances or wishes, the system 1 also has a
communication module 6 that is designed so as to control or actuate
the projection unit 3 of the basis of incoming input signals. Such
input signals may be data signals that are transmitted to the
communication module 6 via power line communication (PLC), for
example from a traffic management center. In this way, information
and signals corresponding to the (current) traffic conditions (for
example high traffic volume, queue, accident, poor weather
conditions, etc.) can be projected onto the aforementioned
projection areas 4, 5, for example in order to regulate the traffic
in optimum fashion or to advise of hazards or other
information.
Since lighting apparatuses 2 are usually already part of a
controlled network (for example a traffic management center or the
like), preferably no additional control infrastructure is required
at least for (basic) implementation of the system 1. In addition,
the use of an individually actuable projection unit 3 allows any
conceivable information to be reproduced (directly visually; or
else as data signals, as described below), so that the system 1
according to the invention is not limited to a particular set of
signals. Hence, it is possible, without additional complexity, to
react immediately to new and possibly unforeseeable circumstances.
Therefore, the system 1 according to the invention allows flexible
situation-dependent light output and information output in a simple
and inexpensive manner.
Besides the transmission via PLC, the input signals may also be
data signals from any, preferably external, transmission unit 10
(cf. FIGS. 2 and 3) or from sensors that are provided as a sensor
unit 8 on the lighting apparatus 1, for example, or provided or
integrated in the surrounding road system. By way of example, the
latter sensors may be provided along a road at particular,
preferably uniform, intervals and can sense the traffic volume, for
example.
By way of example, the sensors may have light sensors, temperature
sensors, motion sensors, smoke sensors and the like. The
communication module 6 is then preferably designed such that it
actuates the light source, particularly the projection unit 3 or
else the light source 21 of the lighting apparatus 2, on the basis
of the light conditions sensed by means of the light sensor, on the
basis of the temperature sensed by means of the temperature sensor,
on the basis of, preferably mobile, objects situated in the sensing
region of the motion sensor and/or on the basis of a smoke density
or a smoke occurrence sensed by means of the smoke sensor. In fog,
for example, the projection unit 3 can thus be actuated such that
it projects a fog warning and/or a speed limit indication onto a
projection area 4, 5, while at the same time the light from the
light source 21 of the lighting apparatus 2 is matched to the
altered weather conditions, that is to say is switched on or
intensified, for example. Similarly, it is possible for a queue
warning to be generated by means of the projection unit 3, for
example, when the number of passing vehicles F sensed by means of
motion sensors exceeds a prescribed threshold value in a prescribed
interval of time. In connection with the description of FIG. 2, the
provision and use of sensors is also explained in more detail.
It is also conceivable for the input signals to be data signals
that are transmitted from a car-to-car communication network C, as
shown by way of example in the figures. A car-to-car communication
network C is fundamentally known from vehicle technology and is
used to interchange information, particularly warning information,
among vehicles F or to transmit information between said
vehicles.
The integration of the system 1 into a car-to-car communication
network C therefore has the advantage that, by way of example, the
initial information in the input signals that prompt the lighting
apparatus 1 to visually present information or signals (e.g.
warnings) may come from a vehicle F itself. The system 1 therefore
makes it possible to engage in the existing car-to-car
communication network C and to pick up the hazard reports
transmitted between the vehicles F as input signals and to convert
them into (visual or data) signals as appropriate. By way of
example, a vehicle F involved in an accident that outputs a warning
signal via car-to-car communication network C can simultaneously
send said warning signal to the lighting apparatus 1, on the basis
of which the communication module 6 actuates the projection unit 3
such that it generates an appropriate visual warning signal and
projects it onto a surrounding projection area 4, 5. Hence, it is
also possible to warn passers-by or other road users whose vehicles
F have no car-to-car communication apparatus C, for example.
Conversely, it is also conceivable for the communication module 6
also to be designed to take the incoming input signals (for example
from a traffic management center, sensors, a transmission unit 10,
a car-to-car communication network C or the like) as a basis for
generating output signals and to output the latter to the
surroundings. To this end, the output signals can be transmitted to
a traffic management center via PLC, for example. It is also
possible for the output signals to be transmitted to surrounding
receivers, for example within a car-to-car communication network C,
via short-haul radio. It is also conceivable for the system 1 to
act as a relay station and to transmit the output data to a
car-to-car communication network C or else another communication
module 6' (cf. FIG. 3) of a further lighting apparatus 2' in the
system 1 or to a traffic management center or another receiver. If
the system 1 acts as a relay station, it is also possible to reach
receivers (vehicle drivers; traffic management center; etc.)
outside a limited coverage area--for example a car-to-car
communication network C--and to supply them with the appropriate
information. As is also explained below, the output signals can be
converted into visual and/or audio signals at a receiver, for
example in a traffic management center or in a vehicle F.
If the lighting apparatus 2 transmits appropriate output signals to
vehicles F in the surroundings as the relay station, these output
signals received by the vehicles F, preferably in the car-to-car
communication network C, can be visually and/or audibly output by
means of a reproduction unit 7, for example (cf. FIG. 4). In this
case, the communication between the lighting apparatus 2 and a
vehicle F takes place in the same way as is provided for the
car-to-car communication. Preferably, wireless near-view
communication (short-haul radio; Bluetooth) is used.
The reproduction unit 7 may have a display 70 in which visual
advice is reproduced graphically or as text. The visual advice can
also be limited to a lamp element 71--for example an LED lamp--that
flashes and/or lights up in an appropriate color when a warning
signal is received from the lighting apparatus 2 via the car-to-car
communication network C, for example. In addition, the reproduction
unit 7 may have an audio reproduction apparatus 72, such as a
loudspeaker, that can be used to reproduce warning tones or else a
(pre)generated spoken text in accordance with the signal received
from the lighting apparatus 1.
The system 1 or the lighting apparatus 2 therefore not only
transmits appropriate information in the form of output signals but
is also provided for the purpose of receiving and forwarding,
possibly in the form of a relay station, input signals arriving
from the surroundings or from a control center or the like. In this
case, it is also conceivable for the communication module 6 also to
have a radio transmitter that is wirelessly connected to other
communication modules 6' of other lighting apparatuses 2' in the
system 1, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. The communication
module 6 may then preferably be designed so as to control the
lighting apparatus 2 on the basis of the data transmitted from the
other communication modules 6' of the other lighting apparatuses 2'
or to coordinate the activation of the light source 21, 30 or other
data transmission apparatuses across lighting apparatuses within
the system 1 or else across systems. Such communication between
adjacent lighting apparatuses 2, 2' in the system 1 or else among
various systems 1 is desirable and useful when the lighting
apparatuses 2, 2' can then be prompted from a particular lighting
apparatus 2 to adjust their light output and/or the output of
warning information or signals as appropriate. In this connection,
it would be conceivable for an accident or the like to be detected
in the surroundings of one lighting apparatus 2' and then for the
lighting apparatus 2' to use its communication options to prompt
the adjacent lighting apparatuses 2 to adjust their light output or
information output as appropriate. At a certain interval before the
accident location, a lighting apparatus 2, 2' could then be
specifically used to transmit and/or visually indicate warning
signals, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3.
Besides the transmission of signals (input signals, output signals,
etc.) by means of radio communication or PLC, it is also
conceivable for the data and information that are to be transmitted
to be alternatively or additionally transmitted by modulation of
the light source 21, 30. This "Visible Light Communication" (VLC)
as data transmission technology is used to transmit data or
information using the transmission medium of light, the frequency
of the light used for transmission usually being in the visible
range between 400 and 800 THz in this case. This can preferably be
accomplished by using the already existent light sources 21, 30 or
else an additional light source.
In order to evaluate the input signals and to convert them into
appropriate actuation signals (or output signals), the
communication module 6 preferably has a processing unit. The
processing unit is preferably part of the communication module 6
and hence likewise preferably (directly) linked or connected to the
lighting apparatus 2.
In this case, the output of the aforementioned information or
signals is not limited to the visual presentation of warning
information or the like. As already mentioned previously, a
lighting apparatus 2 situated at a certain interval before an
accident location could in turn be prompted to transmit wireless
information to further road users, particularly vehicles F, in the
form of a relay station or the like via a car-to-car communication
network C. As FIG. 4 shows, for example, it is then possible for
the warning information, e.g. advice to reduce speed, to be
visually presented or audibly reproduced in the vehicles F on an
appropriate reproduction unit 7 with a display 70, lamp elements 71
or loudspeakers 72.
As already mentioned previously, short-haul radio is preferably
provided and used for the wireless transmission of the information.
To keep the power consumption of the system 1 as low as possible in
this case, particularly the Bluetooth standard 4.0 has been found
to be advantageous. The Bluetooth 4.0 standard can be used to very
quickly set up a connection between the various subscribers and
accordingly also receive and present the information almost
immediately for/to the road user. The information is not limited to
Bluetooth as a transmission standard, however.
FIG. 2 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the system 1
according to the invention. Features that are the same are provided
with the same reference symbols, so that, to avoid repetition,
comprehensive reference is made to the comments relating to the
first exemplary embodiment. The features of the exemplary
embodiments can each arise individually (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2) or
jointly (cf. FIG. 3).
As an alternative or in addition to the projection unit 3 described
in the first exemplary embodiment, the system 1 according to the
second exemplary embodiment has a lighting apparatus 2 with a light
source 21. By way of example, this light source 21 may be an
ordinary light source or a projection unit 3 as described above. In
addition, a sensor unit 8 is provided that has at least one sensor.
The sensors used may be any conceivable sensors, as have also
already been described previously by way of example. These may be
light sensors, temperature sensors, motion sensors, smoke sensors
and the like, for example. These sensors can provide different
information, for example information about the exterior light, the
volume of the traffic and/or the temperature and the like. In
respect of the first exemplary embodiment described above, this
information captured by means of the sensors can be used, by way of
example, to present or transmit information or signals or to adjust
the lighting of the light source 21 (30) or of the projection unit
3. It is also conceivable for the sensor units 8 to be designed
such that they transmit signals (input signals, output signals,
etc.) in the event of radio connection problems between the
luminaire heads or between the communication modules 6, 6' of the
lighting apparatuses 2, 2' or between other radio receivers or
radio transmitters and the lighting apparatus 2, 2', for example,
and thus ensure greater availability of the communication above all
in the event of technical faults (e.g. power failure in particular
sectors).
The sensor unit 8 is particularly preferably provided on the
outside of--rather than in or to some extent in--the lighting
apparatus 2 and preferably at an interval from the light source 21,
30. The system 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment
likewise has a communication module 6 for actuating the light
source 21, 30, which communication module actuates the light source
21, 30 on the basis of the data captured by means of the
sensor.
In order to allow the provision of the sensor unit 8 easily and
inexpensively and at the same time to provide a system 1 having a
high level of situation-dependent light output and information
output, the invention dispenses with the provision of a drill hole
in the lighting apparatus 2, to be more precise the post 20
thereof, and with the electrical connection via the drill hole and
at the electrical equipment of the lighting apparatus 2. Instead, a
wireless data communication unit 9 is provided that connects the
sensor unit 8 to a receiver of the communication module 6 only
wirelessly (that is to say precisely not by cable). To this end,
the sensor or the sensor unit 8 is provided or mounted preferably
only on the outside of the lighting apparatus, particularly
preferably on the outside of the post 20 that has the lighting
apparatus 2, but is not electrically connected. It is therefore
possible for the sensors to be arranged at an optimum height suited
to this purpose, without involving great complexity for the
mounting, since the sensor does not need to be electrically
connected to appropriate lines that run inside the post.
The wireless connection of the data communication unit 9 is
provided preferably by means of short-haul radio, particularly
preferably by means of Bluetooth, more particularly preferably by
means of Bluetooth 4.0. For the advantages of the Bluetooth
standard, particularly the low power requirement thereof, reference
is made to the comments above.
So as nevertheless to be able to operate the sensor unit 8
autonomously, it preferably has an independent power source. By way
of example, this power source may be a solar module, preferably
with an energy buffer, or an internal energy store, such as a
storage battery or the like.
The sensor is therefore capable of capturing appropriate
information about the surroundings and possibly collecting it in
the sensor unit 8. If it is necessary for the operation of the
light source 21 or even of a projection unit 3 to be adjusted on
the basis of the corresponding external situation (for example
appropriate adjustment of the lighting of the light source 21 or
output of warning information by means of projection unit 3
(visual) or via communication module 6 (PLC; relay station; etc.)),
then appropriate signals are transmitted wirelessly from the sensor
or the sensor unit 8 to the lighting apparatus 2. As already
described previously, this prompts communication using the
communication module 6 at a preferably extremely low power, with
the use of the Bluetooth standard being conceivable, for example.
In this case, communication is possible over a relatively short
range, but one that is sufficient to span the interval between the
sensor and the receiver of the communication module 6. Since the
sensor usually also does not constantly transmit corresponding
signals to the lighting apparatus 2, but rather transmits such
information once only when needed, the energy in an energy store as
cited above usually suffices for such measures for a long period,
so that also any maintenance intervals can be extended and hence in
turn costs can be saved.
The communication module 6 has a processing unit in which the input
signals, particularly the data captured by the sensor or
transmitted from the transmission unit 10, are evaluated and
converted into actuation signals or output signals in general. The
processing unit is part of the communication module 6 and may be
directly connected either to the sensor unit 8 or to the lighting
apparatus 2. A data transmitter of the communication module 6 and
the receiver of the communication module 6 preferably provide the
wireless connection between the sensor unit 8 and the receiver of
the communication module 6. If the processing unit is provided in
the sensor unit 8, the data transmitter is used to transmit the
already generated actuation signals to the receiver of the
communication module 6. If, conversely, the processing unit is
provided in the lighting apparatus 2, preferably close to or on the
light source 21, the data transmitter is used to transmit just the
data ascertained by the sensor to the receiver of the communication
module 6, which receiver is provided in the lighting apparatus 2
(preferably close to or on the light source 21), and said receiver
provides said data for the processing unit for the purpose of
generating and transmitting actuation signals.
As in the first exemplary embodiment, the communication module 6
according to the second exemplary embodiment may likewise also have
a radio transmitter that is wirelessly connected to other
communication modules 6, 6' of other lighting apparatuses 2, 2' in
the system 1, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. The
communication module 6 is then also designed so as to control the
lighting apparatus 2 on the basis of the data transmitted from the
other communication modules 6' of the other lighting apparatuses 2'
and to generate the control as appropriate on the basis of the data
interchanged between the lighting apparatuses 2, 2'. As already
described previously, an additional safety connection can be
provided between the lighting apparatuses 2, 2' by means of the
sensor units 8, said safety connection undertaking transmission of
the signals in the event of a power failure, for example, and hence
ensuring communication even in the event of corresponding
problems.
Moreover, it is conceivable for the communication module 6 to be
designed such that the light source 21 (or else a projection unit 3
according to the first exemplary embodiment) can also be actuated
on the basis of data that are transmitted to the communication unit
6 wirelessly from a preferably external transmission module, such
as the transmission unit 10 described previously. By way of
example, such a transmission module 10 may be a mobile telephone 11
or another, preferably specifically configured, transmission unit
12. The lighting apparatus 2 may then be designed such that it
(additionally) reacts to signals supplied externally (that is to
say not from the sensor) and, by way of example, adjusts its
lighting or the information output in general as appropriate. By
way of example, it is possible for (again preferably by means of
Bluetooth) the approach of a person who has a smartphone 11 as a
transmission module 10 to be detected. The lighting apparatus 2 can
then adjust its light output accordingly. In this way, the direct
communication between the road user (with the mobile telephone 11)
and the lighting apparatus 2 at least partly replaces the sensor or
the sensor unit 8.
As already mentioned previously, according to a preferred field of
application, communication between lighting apparatuses 2, 2' in a
system 1 can also take place according to the second exemplary
embodiment and hence allows what is known as progressive light, for
example. That is to say that, as a road user (having a transmission
module 10) moves, the lighting is adjusted as appropriate, with the
greatest brightness being attained in the direct region of the
user, whereas appropriate adjustment is already taking place at a
distance further on. This in turn means that lighting apparatuses 2
toward which the road user is moving can be prompted to slowly
increase their brightness, while others, from which the road user
is moving away, can be prompted to slowly decrease their
brightness.
The transmission module 10 or another, preferably external,
transmitter (for example a traffic management center and the like)
also preferably allows the communication module 6 and therefore the
lighting apparatus 2 to be parameterized by means of data that are
transmitted to the communication module 6 wirelessly or by wire.
This is understood to mean individual flexible adjustment of the
operation of the lighting apparatus 2, particularly of the light
source 21 or of the projection unit 3, to suit the respective
location of use and any existing conditions. By way of example, the
behavior of the lighting apparatus 2 can be configured on the basis
of the time of day. It is also possible to prescribe the way in
which the lighting apparatus 2 reacts to the signals provided by
the sensor. In this connection, it should be taken into account
that the sensor can cover a larger region than is actually desired
for the operation of the lighting apparatus 2, for example. If the
light source 21 is intended to adjust its brightness on the basis
of the presence of pedestrians or the like, for example, it is
desirable for the lighting apparatus 2 to react to sensor signals
that come from persons moving on the footpath, for example.
However, it is not possible to preclude the sensor also reacting to
vehicles on the road and the like on the basis of its coverage
region. Appropriate information that is then provided by a
smartphone or another appliance for parameterizing the lighting
apparatus 2 or the communication module 6, for example, allows the
intelligence that preferably resides in the lighting apparatus 2 to
be set such that only those sensor signals that actually relate to
the pedestrian area or the like are taken into account. This means
that functionality of the lighting apparatus 2 can be set in situ
and adjusted at any time, even at a later instant, in a simple and
convenient manner, in particular wirelessly.
The lighting apparatus 2 can also react, preferably in a specific
manner, to other externally ascertained information. For this
purpose, the communication module 6 may also preferably be designed
such that it executes or does not execute actuation of the light
source 21, 30 or else the parameterization of the communication
module 6 on the basis of an authorization of the transmitter that
is transmitting the relevant data, such as the external
transmission module 10. Thus, a distinction is preferably drawn
between signals that can be transmitted by anyone and signals that
can be transmitted specifically only by authorized persons or the
like. The simple adjustment of the brightness would be permissible
by anyone, for example, whereas specific services such as police,
fire brigade or rescue services would be provided with the
capability of specifically prompting a light source 21, 30 to
illuminate the surrounding area in the event of an accident very
brightly or to prompt the lighting apparatus 2 or a projection unit
3 to output warning signals. Naturally, such functions should not
be able to be triggered by anyone, which is why a distinction
should preferably be made in this case.
The transmission module or the transmission unit 10 can therefore
preferably be used in the same manner as the sensor unit 8. The
data transmitted from the transmission unit 10 can be made
available in the communication unit 6 in the form of the previously
described input signals, such data being transmitted from the
transmission unit 10 automatically or being generated individually
and then transmitted specifically. The transmission unit 10 can
preferably also receive the output signals that are output by the
communication module 6 or the lighting apparatus 2 and convert them
into visual and/or audio signals, for example, as is the case with
the reproduction unit 7 shown in FIG. 4. The reproduction unit 7
may then be the transmission unit 10 (particularly a smartphone or
a specific reproduction apparatus), for example, which preferably
has a display 70, an audio output or a loudspeaker 71 and the
like.
It should be noted that, according to the second exemplary
embodiment, the transmission unit 10 may consequently also be
provided instead of the sensor unit 8 and does not just arise in
combination therewith. The system 1 then preferably comprises the
lighting apparatus 2 with a light source 21, 30, the transmission
unit 10 (for example a mobile telephone 11) having a transmitter,
wherein the transmission unit 10 is at an interval from the light
source 21, 30, the communication module 6 for actuating the light
source 21, 30 on the basis of data transmitted by means of the
transmission unit 10, and the wireless data communication unit 9,
which connects the transmission unit 10 to the receiver of the
communication module 6 only wirelessly. For the purpose of
autonomous power supply, the transmission unit 10 also preferably
has an independent power source, for example a storage battery.
A method for outputting signals or information by means of the
system 1 according to the invention is described below:
First of all, data are transmitted to the lighting apparatus 2 in
the system 1. These data are sent to the communication module 6 as
input signals and are finally provided for other receivers. To this
end, the communication module 6 preferably has a processing unit in
which input signals are evaluated and converted into actuation
signals or output signals. The input signals can be transmitted to
the communication unit via PLC or wirelessly (for example
short-haul radio; Bluetooth); by way of example, from a traffic
management center, a sensor unit 8 provided on the lighting
apparatus 2, an (external) transmission unit 10, 11, 12, a
car-to-car communication network C or another transmitter. These
input signals may be provided either for the purpose of outputting
information or for the purpose of parameterizing the system 1. The
actuation signals may be provided either for the purpose of
actuating the light source 21 (for example for the purpose of
switching on or off or setting the luminosity) or for the purpose
of actuating a projection unit 3 that preferably projects visual
signals 40, 50 onto a projection area 4, 5 in accordance with the
actuation signals. The output signals can be transmitted via PLC or
else wirelessly (short-haul radio; relay station) and can be
provided, for example in visual and/or audio form, in a traffic
management center, a car-to-car communication network C or on other
receivers (for example transmission unit 10; smartphone 11; etc.).
It is also possible for the output signals to be transmitted to
(adjacent) lighting apparatuses 2' in the same or another system 1
and to be provided there as input signals, which, preferably
following matching against other input signals, results in combined
actuation of a plurality of lighting apparatuses 2, 2' or specific
output of output signals.
According to preferred embodiments, the methods for outputting
signals 40, 50 by means of the road and path lighting system 1 can
proceed as follows:
The road and path lighting system 1 has the lighting apparatus 2,
2' with the projection unit 3 having a light source 21, 30 and the
communication module 6, 6'. In a first step, input signals
transmitted wirelessly or by wire are received in the communication
module 6, 6'. In a further step, the projection unit 3 is actuated
by means of the communication module 6, 6' on the basis of the
input signals. The signals 40, 50 to be output are then projected
onto a projection area 4, 5 by means of the projection unit 3.
According to another embodiment, the road and path lighting system
1 has the lighting apparatus 2, 2' with a light source 21, 30 and
also the sensor unit 8 having a sensor and/or the transmission unit
10, 11, 12, 8 having a transmitter, wherein the sensor unit 8 or
the transmission unit 10, 11, 12, 8 are preferably provided on the
lighting apparatus 2, 2' and at an interval from the light source
21, 30 and preferably have an independent power source.
Furthermore, the system 1 has a communication module 6, 6' and a
wireless data communication unit 9. In a first step, data captured
by means of the sensor or data transmitted by means of the
transmission unit 10, 11, 12, 8 are sent or transmitted exclusively
wirelessly as input signals to a receiver of the communication
module 6, 6' by means of the data communication unit 9. These
wirelessly transmitted input signals are received in the
communication module 6, 6'. In a further step, the light source 21,
30 is then actuated by means of the communication module 6, 6' and
on the basis of the data transmitted by means of the input
signals.
In each of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, the light
source 21, 30 may at least also be a projection unit 3 or the
projection unit 3 may have an appropriate light source 21, 30 (for
example a laser light source). This can project one or more signals
40, 50 onto one or more projection areas 4, 5, wherein the signals
40, 50 preferably form visual signals 40, 50 on the at least one
projection area 4, 5.
The aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the methods may also
have the steps of output signals being generated by the
communication module 6, 6' and on the basis of the received input
signals, which are then output to the surroundings, for example via
power line communication, short-haul radio or as a relay station,
preferably to a traffic management center or a car-to-car
communication network C or another communication module 6', 6 of a
further lighting apparatus 2', 2 in the system 1.
The input signals are transmitted to the communication module 6, 6'
preferably as data signals via power line communication or from
sensors, for example a sensor unit 8 of the system 1 or a
surrounding road system, or from a car-to-car communication network
C or another, preferably external, transmission unit 10, 11, 12,
8.
On the basis of the methods described previously, it is also
possible, in a further step, for the lighting apparatus 2, 2',
preferably the communication module 6, 6', to be parameterized by
means of data transmitted to the communication module 6, 6'
wirelessly or by wire. The parameterization of the communication
module 6, 6' can be executed or not executed particularly
preferably on the basis of an authorization of the transmitter that
transmits the data, such as the external transmission module 10,
11, 12, 8.
The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments
described previously so long as it is covered by the subject matter
of the claims that follow. Thus, the individual features of the
exemplary embodiments can be interchanged and/or combined with one
another as desired. It goes without saying that, as FIG. 3 shows,
the features of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments may also
be present jointly or severally so long as they are covered by the
subject matter of the claims that follow.
* * * * *